Anxiety therapy: The path to emotional well-being

Anxiety is a natural and common response to stress and uncertainty. Even though some anxiety is normal and healthy, there is a point where your anxiety may become a problem. It may be time to seek help when anxiety overwhelms your life, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. 

When your anxiety is heightened, you may feel like you’re all alone and that nobody understands what you’re going through. Hear this: You are not alone, and you don't have to deal with your anxiety by yourself — help is available. Many options are available and designed to help with anxiety. Therapy specific to anxiety offers strategies to help reduce symptoms and promote emotional well-being.

Understanding anxiety disorders

Anxiety impacts approximately 18% of American adults and approximately 25% of American adolescents. Of those who are affected by anxiety, up to 10% of adults and teens have an anxiety disorder that is classified as severe. 

Anxiety disorders include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Social anxiety disorder

• Panic disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Specific phobias

Each of those anxiety disorders has its own unique symptoms and triggers. In general, though, anxiety disorders have one thing in common: increased stress and the ability to impair your day-to-day life. 

Beneficial treatments for anxiety disorder

Managing your anxiety disorder may include many avenues of support, including therapy. These approaches can lead to a transformation in your life, helping to reduce the effect anxiety has on your quality of life. 

Anxiety therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Anxiety is very personal, and each person has a unique experience. For best results, therapy and treatment should be customized to fit your specific needs, challenges, and goals.

Treatments that can be beneficial for helping anxiety disorders include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a used and effective approach to treating anxiety disorders. This therapy is grounded in the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all interconnected. The goal is to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to your anxiety. This therapy approach empowers you to reframe your negative patterns and beliefs and helps you to develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking.

• Exposure therapy — Exposure therapy is a specific type of CBT. It focuses on exposing you to your anxiety-triggering situations, objects, or thoughts. This exposure is carried out in a safe and controlled environment, allowing you to confront your fears without experiencing the full intensity of anxiety. Over time, the repeated exposure can help lead to a reduction in your anxiety responses, as you learn that your feared outcomes are unlikely to happen.

• Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) — Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a form of therapy that can be effective in helping anxiety disorders. With ACT, a therapist will help you identify your values and help you learn to act in a way that matches your values. This is done through two components. The first component is accepting that thoughts and feelings don’t always need to be controlled. The second component is making a commitment to take actions to help you live your life according to your values.

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) — Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT) was originally used to treat borderline personality disorder, but is now used to effectively treat anxiety. It is a form of CBT. With the help of a therapist, you will learn to accept your anxiety while actively working to change it. It can teach you four valuable skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation.

Anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on your well-being and quality of life. Anxiety therapy can offer a range of effective strategies to help you address and manage these challenges. The ultimate goal of therapy for anxiety is to equip you with the tools you need to manage your symptoms and heal.

Even though it feels like you're alone, you're not. Reach out to a licensed therapist to help manage your anxiety.

Anxiety doesn’t have to rule your life. Halcyon Therapy Group can help.

Life is complicated and messy. When it comes to mental health, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. At Halcyon Therapy Group, we understand just how important you and your unique situation and perspectives are. That’s why we offer a suite of services tailored specifically to you and your needs. You deserve better, and we are here to help. 

Book your complimentary consultation today and start living the life you always dreamed of.